Around the water cooler: Schiff Hardin receives award

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Schiff Hardin received the “Lend a Hand” award from the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. on June 11 at the BWLA’s 2008 Board of Directors Installation and Awards Reception.

Schiff Hardin received the award for its support of the BWLA this year. In addition to being the sole platinum sponsor of the BWLA’s 2008 spring luncheon, the firm also provided graphic design support for events and hosted the BWLA’s scholarship board meetings.

Schiff Hardin partner Tracy A. Campbell and Schiff Hardin associate Marla Shade Harris were installed as a board member and recording secretary of the BWLA, respectively, at the installation ceremony. Schiff Hardin partner Patricia Brown Holmes is a past president of the BWLA.

Campbell said Schiff Hardin has always been supportive of the BWLA, and it’s become a natural alliance.

The organization started out as a way to help African-American lawyers connect to discuss issues, and find support professionally and personally, she said. It has evolved to also include a greater outreach, and tries to give back to the Chicago community.

“The larger Chicago community, in general, knows more about the organization and knows more about black lawyers,” she said. “[The organization] works in almost every legal realm, from large firms to small firms to public interest. We are sort of everywhere. While it is important for us to achieve personal success, it is also important to give back to the community.”